Our story starts simple: a wet afternoon in a sheltered nook in the forest, where a lonely tower stood amidst overgrown bushes, with vines crawling along its faded red bricks; the river alongside it ebbing and flowing, sparkling underneath what little sunshine managed to break through the thick canopy of trees that surrounded it. It was quiet here, save for the soft sound of rain drumming against the tower roof and the chirping of the birds that had taken refuge in the trees.
― ♛ ―
All her life, Rapunzel had only known the Moving Tower and the different places she could see from her window. Nothing that Gothel said or did could ever sway her; she would still find herself watching the days flit by and the scenery change as they moved from one dimension to the next, wishing she could experience all of it for herself. She wondered how it would feel like to dip her toes into a clear river, to skitter along a muddy field, to swim around in a submerged city, to touch the passing clouds from a floating castle.
― ♛ ―
But her yearning was also mixed with fear. Everyday, Gothel made a point to remind her that escaping would mean losing her way forever, and there were many out there--men and women alike--who would not hesitate to kill her for a pretty penny. After all, she was heir to the throne and the throne had many who coveted it. Gothel had also promised that, one day, when the time was right and peace was restored in their own kingdom, she would reunite with her family and live the life they once had before the kingdom fell into war and ruins.
But first, she had to get ready.